FEDERAL TAX CLINIC

Federal Tax Clinic

Students in Villanova Law’s Federal Tax Clinic provide free legal representation to low-income individuals in tax disputes with the IRS and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Students work in teams to represent their clients and help them navigate the complex American tax system. Cases include audits, examinations, administrative appeals and collection matters before the IRS and the PA Department of Revenue as well as cases before the United States Tax Court, Federal District Court, Board of Appeals and Commonwealth Court.

Typically handling about 10 cases per team, Federal Tax Clinic students serve as the primary advocates for their clients and have direct responsibility for their cases. Students also give presentations and teach tax topics to community groups and nonprofit organizations to help taxpayers know their rights and responsibilities. Student representation has resulted in substantial community benefits, including thousands of dollars of refunds to taxpayers, relief from joint liability for innocent spouses and the reduction of tax liabilities through successful compromises of liabilities based upon taxpayer financial hardship.

Tax Clinic students play a crucial role in making sure the tax system is fair for individuals who otherwise would have difficulty understanding the bureaucracy on their own. Their work is impactful and can be life changing. 

    

SKILLS DEVELOPED

  • Interviewing and Counseling
  • Case Planning
  • Case Management and Prioritization
  • Fact Development and Legal Research
  • Legal Writing and Client Communication
  • Oral Advocacy
  • Negotiation

   

    

"Working in the Tax Clinic was one the best experiences I had in law school. The Clinic gave me an opportunity to get the full experience of working as a lawyer. In other externships, I was limited to performing very specific roles and I never had an opportunity to interact with clients. In the Clinic, I was allowed to not only interact with my clients, but take the lead on planning their cases. This client-focused work made my experience in the Tax Clinic an invaluable part of my legal education."
- Kelsey Simchick '20

If you have questions about the clinics please contact the clinic office. Your inquiry will be directed to the appropriate clinic.

Villanova University
Charles Widger School of Law
Clinical Program

299 N. Spring Mill Road
Villanova, PA 19085

Federal Tax Clinic Director: Christine Speidel, Associate Professor of Law 

NEWS

 

Villanova University Charles Widger
School of Law
299 N. Spring Mill Rd.
Villanova, PA 19085
610-519-7000   Contact Law

Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law is approved by the Council of the Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar of the American Bar Association, 321 North Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60654, (312) 988-6738